Impact of Virtual Reality Hypnosis on Pain and Anxiety During Dressings Change in Burn Patients Treated as Outpatients

Different non-pharmacological techniques, including hypnosis and virtual reality are currently used as complementary tools in the treatment of pain related to burn injury. A new technique called 'virtual reality hypnosis' (VRH) (Patterson et al., 2004), which encompasses a combination of both tools, is regularly used although its actual function remains unknown to this date. With the goal to improve our understanding of VRH combination effects, it is necessary to elaborate randomized and controlled research studies in order to understand their actual function in individual's perception. 100 patients who are treated as outpatients for burn care will be randomly assigned to virtual reality or VRH. Patients will receive one session of one of these techniques during burn dressing change.Physiological parameters will be recorded during dressing change. Participants will fill in a questionnaire evaluating their tendency to be absorbed and dissociated, and another evaluating their level of perceived immersion. Their level of anxiety, pain, fatigue and relaxation will be evaluated before and after the session. A short interview will also be conducted to give participants the opportunity to openly describe their experience.